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Second opinion for Ascending Aortic Surgery
I am so glad I found this group! I no longer feel alone with my aorta problem.
In late 2019 I was diagnosed with an ascending aortic aneurysm. Like most of us it was discovered by some other problem. The initial MRI measured the aorta at 4.2cm. I have had scans (echo or CTA) annually.
My May 2023 scan measured at 4.5 cm. My cardiologist referred me to a surgeon for a consult since a surgeon makes the call on when to have the surgery. The surgeon confirmed to me that it would be a full open chest procedure and we had a discussion on how they make the call on when to have surgery. I have a follow up with him next year.
I live in the Raleigh/Durham area in North Carolina close to Duke University Medical Center and UNC Chapel Hill Medical Center. All good medical centers. For those who sought out the Mayo Clinic or the Cleveland Clinic, what made you do that? What makes these clinics be so sought out? I don’t feel like a need a second opinion. It’s pretty clear a repair will be needed. I want to make sure I have the procedure at the best place.
By the way, I am a 64 year old female in good health and good fitness. I have been cycling and lap swimming for many, many years. I have only had minor surgeries.
Thank you!
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I’m glad I am in this group as my heart surgeon in Rapid City SD is saying I need the aortic repair surgery sooner than later within the next six months. My aneurysm is that at 4.9 and I am very small in stature. I am going to the University of Colorado for a second opinion but I am wondering how you know which hospital is the best to do the surgery? How do I found it out that Colorado will be the place to go? I have done other doctoring there for other issues. Or do I seek second opinion at Mayo Clinic. Confused and scared
@jbh465 After finding my Ascending Aorta Aneurysm decades ago it has monitored every year to see if it enlarged... but it has not budged a bit.. Mayo MN has an ER.. or you would need to gather all past tests, x-rays, scans, etc. To be sent to the Mayo heart section...
That's a great question.
I have looked at the US News rankings. They rank hospitals by the illness treated.
Here's a top ten in the area of aorta surgery: https://health.usnews.com/health-care/best-hospitals/slideshows/best-hospitals-for-cardiology-heart-surgery?onepage
Here's a ranking for what might be the hospital you are going to: https://health.usnews.com/best-hospitals/area/co/university-of-colorado-hospital-6840430
I am far outside the medical community and happily don't have much experience with surgeries. Hope this helps.
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1 ReactionThank you both for the feedback. The referral is being sent to the University of Colorado medical facility. If I am not comfortable with what they recommend, we are getting another opinion from Mayo.
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1 ReactionHello, I was recently diagnosed with 3.9 cm ascending aorta, your comment of yours not growing for decades gives me great hope. Can you tell me how long you’ve had yours and what size it was when discovered. I’m having so much anxiety over this and what to expect. Thanks so much for your reply!
You may want to check out Cleveland Clinic. They will do 2nd opinions virtually or in person. They are rated as one of the best in the country for heart surgeries.
Yikes! Have heard so many people have troubles with getting the advantage plan people to approve procedures, or approve various locations or providers, and having a huge bill after of things “not covered”?? Be thorough!
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1 ReactionMy aneurysm became an emergency at 4.5. It was called an emergency double aortic dissection. I was life flighted to Mayo so I had no choice. Since Mayo is two hours away from my home I chose to stay there with a Cardiovascular MD. I think if you have a Dr. you like and are comfortable with and trust, go there. I was back for a yearly check up at Mayo. My first tests were at 7AM. My Dr. appointment was at 10:45. My test results were back in my patient portal before I had the appointment with my Doctor. Today I am waiting for a personal call from my doctor and surgeon because the tests show it will be back in surgery for me, if I choose. That is why I like Mayo in Rochester. Close to home, Good coordination with your doctor, quick and efficient, and personalized care.
Best wishes. You will make the correct decision.
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1 ReactionAdvantage Plans are cheaper and offer a lot of bells and whistles like free gym memberships, etc, They offer savings/discounts for you to take care of yourself and stay well but, if you really get sick or injured, Advantage plans are quick to offer a skilled nursing facility rather than allowing you to recouperate in an inpatient rehab facility. The difference in the quality of care is huge. Just my 2 cents based on experience of what I see. Ask a lot of questions.
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1 ReactionAdvantage plans are cheaper than what? I have Medicare Advantage because I assumed it was better. Not so? Now I'm confused. I live in Piedmont NC and would like to know more about the aortic surgeries at Duke, Chapel Hill, and Cone Health in Greensboro. If anyone has had experience with any of those, I'd love to hear about it.